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Estrace cream

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I wanted to share this with those who are experiencing urethra burning. I had been having a terrible time with this for months and nothing was helping. It was time for my yearly visit to the GYN and I mentioned the urethra burning to her. She said that even though I was on Estrace and Estratest pills I still wasn't getting enough estrogen to the urethra and opening to the vagina. She prescribed an estrace cream compounded at the clinic pharmacy and I cannot believe the difference it has made. I apply it externally around the urethra opening and the vaginal opening.

I went from feeling like I had to pee almost constantly and burning non-stop to going 2 - 3 hours without needing to urinate. Almost all of the burning is gone and I was told that the rest of the burning will probably go as the tissue soaks up the estrogen. I have had tremendous relief in 5 days.

topical estrogen

You are so correct. Just because you have a good serum level of estrogen, you need more estrogen locally in the vagina around the vulva.
Most hormone replacement doses for women with a uterus are the bare minimum amount (100 serum level), a lot of hormone phobic docs are using a lot less. Women who have no uterus and are on much higher dose replacemnt therapy which is keeping their estrogen levels in the 200-400 range probably dont need much if any locally.
When I started the hormone pellets that was the first thing I noticed; that the vulva became absolutely normal. I was wearing jeans again, and even after using a mild soap, it did not show any irritation. Urethral burning and stinging was non existant.
Since my hyster I have been able to experiment with these much higher doses of estradiol, and I have found the levels are critical for bladder and urethral and vulva health.
Sammi

I have had a hysterectomy and take a pretty high dose of estrogen but still needed it in the urethra area. I have felt so much better after just 5 days of the cream that I'm amazed. I can't believe how long I've suffered when I just needed some estrogen cream.

N2

What are you using for hormone replacement and what is the dose? I am currently using pellets which gives me a blood serum level in 200-250 range, and higher than that the first month which is when you feel your best. So far the one thing I dont like about the pellets is the sharp drop off in serum range, I think stable, steady levels are healthier. I may be rethinking the pellets and going back to the messy creams twice a day.
I also have VV and the Vulvar specialist also recommends using the estradiol cream nightly.
So glad you found relief!
Hugs,
Sammi

Hrt

I am a long time suffer of IC and have been and out of remission. I visited the GYN and he advised to increase my estrogen and progesterin (in a pill form) I also have a cream to use about 3 times a week. He thinks it helps the bladder. I am going to try a new one and hopes it helps my flare up.
I always feel like I am starting all over although my coping is better.

Sharyn

I think your Doc is right, it does help the bladder, so many studies show this. Is your pill a combo pill or do you take each seperately? What pills are you taking and dose?
I am not a bit fan of the single pill as it prevents a person from titrating the dose of things to their individual need. I am currently on pellets, but thinking of going back to bio identical creams as much as I hate the mess because I can dose twice a day and keep a steadier blood level. I liked the patch, but would have had to wear two to get the level I wanted, and my insurance wouldnt pay for two.
Sammi

For those who cannot tolerate Estrace cream (burning, in my case) you can try Vagifem vaginal tablets. The other thing I'm looking into is compounded estrogen cream, using some sort of natural oil base like olive oil, to put on the outside. I can't tolerate the commercial compounding bases.

I tried the Vagifem and it wasn't enough. My GYN has me on
Angeliq (estrogen and drospierone). He gave me 10 days supply so I have to wait to see the results. I also use Premarin cream 3 x a week. The burning is less so something is working. I am interested in how many of you ladies have tried the MSM. Also I use vicodine but wonder if neurontin works the same.

Estrace Cream and Urethral Discomfort

I have been reading the posts regarding Estrace creams...and I have been suffering with discomfort after urination for months. Nothing I do seems to work. I have this cream to try as suggested by my Gynecologist, but I am nervous to do so, since this whole thing started using a 7 day cream for yeast infection to which it burned for a full month.

Does anyone have any advice regarding the Estrace cream. I do not have frequency or urgency...just this irritation.

i tried several commercial creams and they all irritated my skin. The only thing that hasn't is a compounded hypo allergenic Estriol cream. I found out that I had a hypersensitivity to propylene glycol which is in almost every commercial prescription cream out there. I have no problem now with the special compounded cream. I also use pure vitamin E oil and found it really helpful and good for my skin.

Urethra Problems

Just a note to let you know that not ALL urethra problems are not due to estrogen alone. One of my main symptoms used to be urethra burning and frequency. I went to a vulva vaginal specialist and the first thing she did was refer me for intra vaginal physical therapy. This totally stopped the urethra burning and frequency which apparently was brought on by nerves which were irritated due to chronically spasmed pelvic floor muscles which kept the vulvar area inflammed and was causing pelvic floor spasms. I have been in remission ever since but still use oral, and vaginal estrace .
Dont rule out the importance pelvic floor plays in all of these symptoms.

Last edited by sami4; 06-29-2011 at 01:01 PM.
Reason: include word not

I've been using Estace cream for over three years now. I use 2 grams three nights a week. Anything less than that and I get a UTI. At first the cream did cause some burning, but I continued to use it, and after a few weeks the burning (after using the cream) went away, and hasn't returned. I am also on Fem-Hrt 0.5/2.5 once a day. It is a soy-based product.

I've been using Premarin vaginal Cream for about 3 years and it has completely solved the Urethra problems I used to have,especially spasms.
I started off with 1 gram nightly then this past 6 months 3 times a week.
I am 69 years old and my vaginal tissue was just so thin you could read a book thru it.(just kidding)

.... I was diagnosed with IC today following a Potassium Sensitivity Test. My reaction to the potassium was minimal. I rated it at a 2 on the pain scale as I felt a mild burning. The nurse rinsed it...

I look forward to reading how the new progesterone pill works for you and I wonder why the doctor did not choose the prescription progesterone cream to help balance your hormones. Perhaps convenience...